Story: Taniwha

Page 1 – What are taniwha?

A creature of many forms

Taniwha are supernatural creatures whose forms and
characteristics vary according to different tribal
traditions. Though supernatural, in the Māori world view they
were seen as part of the natural environment. Taniwha have
been described as fabulous monsters that live in deep water.
Others refer to them as dragons – many taniwha looked like
reptiles, had wings and ate people. They could also take the
shape of animals such as sharks, whales, octopuses, or even
logs. Some taniwha could change their shape, moving between
different forms.

Taniwha were either male or female. They usually lived in
or near the water – lakes, rivers or the sea. They hid in
lairs known as rua taniwha, which could be deep pools, caves,
or dangerous waterways – areas that people avoided.

In some traditions, taniwha were terrifying creatures that
captured people and ate them. Occasionally, it was said that
they would kidnap women to live with them as wives. These
monsters would inevitably be killed and the women returned to
their families.

Others were kaitiaki, or protectors of iwi (tribes) and
hapū (sub-tribes). These ones were respected, and people who
passed by their dens would say the appropriate karakia
(charm) and leave an offering, often a green twig.

Taniwha and chiefs

Taniwha were also a symbol for great chiefs. There is a
proverb from Waikato:

Waikato taniwha rau, he piko he taniwha.

Waikato of a hundred taniwha, every bend a taniwha.

For some this refers to the many taniwha of the Waikato
River, while for others it is about the many important chiefs
of the area.

This figure of speech is used in laments for chiefs who
have passed on, such as this one for Te Haupā, chief of the
Ngāti Pāoa tribe: